THIRUTHANI (Kundruthoradal)
Arulmighu Subramanya Swamy Thiru Kovil

INTRODUCTION:Thiruthani or
Tiruttani,
a holy place near Chennai ( Madras) on the Chennai- Tirupati route, in
South India, houses one of the sacred temples of Lord Muruga and is the
fifth
Aarupadai Veedu
.
Saint poet Nakkerar, in his songs in praise of Lord Subrahmanya, or
Thanigesa Peruman, places Tiruthani in the fifth place amongst the six battle
places (
Aarupadai Veedu
) that Lord Muruga has fought to win over evil.

The various names of the presiding deity include Subrahmanya, Subramanya Swamy,
Sengalvarayanm, Murugavel and
Thanigesa Peruman.
This holy shrine of Lord Muruga has been sung by various poets like
Arunagiri Nathar and Kumara Guruparar.

LEGEND / PURANA :
The temple is a very old one and scriptures can be used to trace the temple's existence to as early as two thousand years ago. The temple is known be several names some of which are Kunruthor Adal, Thanigachalam, Santhipuri and Skandagiri. This temple is considered as one of the most important abodes of Muruga.

MYTHOLOGY OF THIRUTHANI:
Lord Subramanya, it is believed, took to Tiruthani as his abode, after vanquishing the demon called Soorapadman at Tiruchendur. The battle called Soora samharam saw the death of the arrogance of the demon who was transformed into a Seval or Cock that became Muruga's Kodi ( or flag) and the also into a Peacock which became the vehicle of the Lord. At Tiruthani, the swamy is known to be in a very tranquil state, especially after marrying Valli. This Tranquility is pictured beautifully and devotees can view this from their desktops.
For more details on the Arupadai Veedu CDROM - please
Click Here
.

Mythology has it that Lord Subrahmanya swamy came in various forms such as a hunter and a old man to test the perseverance of Valli, a girl from the hunter community who undertook a penance to attain oneness with Lord Thanigesan. Vinayaka, his big brother helped Skanda in his efforts to marry Valli, by donning the form of a mad elephant, which scared Valli who scurried for refuge to the old man, none other than Subramanyar himself.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE / CITY:
Tiruthani is situated in Tiruvallur district. It is 84 km away from north west chennai . The hill temple can be reached either by a motorable road or through a flight of 365 steps. Three Hundred and Sixty five Steps lead to the shrine, each step representing a day of the year.

TEMPLE PRECINCTS:
At the foot of the hills is located the large temple tank, called the Saravana Poigai, with water that symbolizes prosperity. Tiruthani temple has a sannidhi for Ganesha who is known by the name of Abath Sahaya Vinayagar. The Thanigesa peruman temple is located on the top of the Thanigai Malai. There are four Praharams or "Thiru Sutru" in the temple. The Fourth Praharam has the Senkazhuneer Pillayar Temple. The holy water pond created by Lord Vishnu in the name of Vishnu Theertham, Vasuki's creation in the name of
Naga Theertham and Brahama Teertham are sources of water with a divine origin.

In the northern part of the temple precincts lies the Elephant house and the Sandalwood stone. In the third Praharam of the temple, one can see the Dwajasthamba Vinayagar and in the south, is located the Uma Maheshwarar Sannithi. The Ucchu Pillayar sannithi is located in the western side. The second Praharam has Sannithis that include those of Prasannakatheswarar, Kamakshi Amman with Ekambareswarar, Arumuga Swamy and Kumareswarar Lingam worshipped by Lord Skanda himself. The Rudraksha Mandapam is an unique mandapam with roof top made of Rudraksha beads. Sannithis for Shanmugamoorthy, Abathsahaya Vinayagar, Arunagirinathar, Veerabhadrar, Nava veerargal and Sooryan or Sun God are also located in the temple Praharam.

A flight of five steps from the second Praharam, called the Panchakshara Padigal, leads to the first Praharaam. Crossing the Sthapana Mandapamd and Artha Mandapam, one reaches the main Garba graham of the Thanigesa Peruman. The sannithi of Chandeshwarar and Bairavar are also located in this area of the temple.

SANCTUM SANCTORUM :
Lord Thanigesa Peruman, is seen in a tranquil posture, with one hand on his lap and the other holding the Gnana Vel. Garlands made up of green stones and golden Vilva leaves adorn the deity, adding grandeur to the serene environment..

IMBIBE THE SPIRIT OF MURUGA BAKTHI (Devotion to Lord Muruga) - IN YOUR KIDS !
Many of those who migrated
away from India, be it the early settlers in South Africa or
the tech-savvy migrants to US - the first generation who have
lord Murugan in their hearts find it difficult to pass on this
spiritual shield to their children who grow up in alien lands.

With well researched contents, covering vital details like
spiritual significance of the place, legends, puranas, history,
festivals and spiritual events, this CD ROM presents a
detailed coverage of the temple premises. It also exquisitely brings
to life, many pujas and utsavams of Lord Karthikeya - like...

- Thiruparamkundram : Soora Samharam, Chariot Festival and Laksha archana (worship to Lord Muruga by hundred thousand names)
- Thiruchendur : Swing Festival (Oonjal Sevai - where Lord Muruga swings with his consort in a highly tranquill atmosphere)
- Palani : The Golden Chariot Festival (A very famous occation in which golden image of the Lord goes around the temple in Gold Plated Chariot)
- Swamimalai : The Soora Vahana Festival (Lord Muruga is seated above the Asura Soorapadhman and is taken around the temple)
- Thiruthani : Mirror Festival (Kannadi Sevai - where the Lord's Six faces are exposed through a mirror and worshipped)
- Pazhamudhircholai : Bathing Festival (Abhishekam - where the Lord's image is bathed in several holy waters, amidst the veda chanting - Sri Rudhram and Chamakam)

Such rare footages produce spiritual ecstasy in one's mind, even if they are
viewed repeatedly !

Peace and tranquility are the possible benefits of viewing the CD contents - be it in
a group during small functions or alone- in solitude in the
background of darkness. For kids- it will be as much fun as
watching the cartoons - if only the parents take time to explain
the CD contents to their kids with some interest.

HOLY WATER TANKS (THEERTHAMS):
There are five Theerthams
or divine water sources, in and around the temple. They are
:
· Vishnu Theertham
· Naga Theertham
· Brahma Teertham
· Saravana Poigai

FESTIVALS :
Every day, there are four special poojas or sevai. The float festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi while the annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated during the tamil month of Maasi. In this festival, special darshan that should not be missed out is the Valli Kalyanam or the marriage of Lord Thanikesan with Valli. Aypasi month brings with it the celebration of Skanda Sashti.

Thai pusam or Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated with grandeur. The English new year day is celebrated with specials poojas. Falling on the day of Poosam star, during the month of Thai - sometime during the end of January, Thai Pusam, is a Murugan festival celebrated all over the world.